Somalia Famine The Latest Woe For Troubled Country

"Action Against Hunger is the only humanitarian agency working in Bakool, one of the two regions of Somalia officially suffering from famine. The US-based charity was one of those which moved into Mogadishu following the last famine in 1991.

Spokesman Jens Oppermann said: 'It is very difficult for outsiders to get into Somalia because of the security situation. We depend completely on our local staff. They have the acceptance and protection of the locals. People in Bakool are otherwise totally unsupported. It is a place that is totally hostile in terms of insecurity, environment and absolutely no access to water. It is most important the international community helps the civilian population of Somalia,' he added. 'They are not part of the war and are always the victims.'"